Patient temperature control catheter with helical heat exchange paths

ABSTRACT

A catheter includes a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid. The catheter also includes a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the paths is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, where the distal heat exchange region includes first and second helical paths and is made of a shape memory material.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to patient temperature control systems.

BACKGROUND

It has been discovered that the medical outcome for a patient suffering from severe brain trauma or from ischemia caused by stroke or heart attack or cardiac arrest is improved if the patient is cooled below normal body temperature (37° C.). Furthermore, it is also accepted that for such patients, it is important to prevent hyperthermia (fever) even if it is decided not to induce hypothermia. Moreover, in certain applications such as post-CABG surgery, it might be desirable to re-warm a hypothermic patient.

As recognized by the present application, the above-mentioned advantages in regulating temperature can be realized by cooling or heating the patient's entire body using a closed loop heat exchange catheter placed in the patient's venous system and circulating a working fluid such as saline through the catheter, heating or cooling the working fluid as appropriate in an external heat exchanger that is connected to the catheter. The following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose various intravascular catheters/systems/methods for such purposes: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,881,551 and 6,585,692 (tri-lobe catheter), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,551,349 and 6,554,797 (metal catheter with bellows), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,749,625 and 6,796,995 (catheters with non-straight, non-helical heat exchange elements), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,125,684, 6,299,599, 6,368,304, and 6,338,727 (catheters with multiple heat exchange balloons), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,411, 6,019,783, 6,581,403, 7,287,398, and 5,837,003 (heat exchange systems for catheter), U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,781 (various heat exchange catheters).

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a catheter includes a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid and a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the supply path and/or return path is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, where the distal heat exchange region is to be disposed in a patient. The distal heat exchange region includes at least first and second helical paths and may be made of a shape memory material. In non-limiting embodiments, the shape memory material may be nitinol.

Furthermore, the helical paths described herein may overlap each other to establish a double helical structure in non-limiting embodiments, or they may not overlap each other in other non-limiting embodiments. If desired, the first helical path may be in the working fluid supply path, or both the first and second helical paths may be in the working fluid supply path. Alternatively, the first helical path may be in the working fluid return path in non-limiting embodiments, or the first and second helical paths may be in the working fluid return path in still other non-limiting embodiments.

In another aspect, a method includes providing a working fluid supply path that at least in part defines a catheter and that is in fluid communication with a source of working fluid. The method also includes providing a working fluid return path that at least in part defines the catheter and is in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the paths provided by the method disclosed herein is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, where the distal heat exchange region includes first and second helical paths.

In still another aspect, a catheter includes a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid and a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the supply and/or return paths is contained in a heat exchange region of the catheter, where the heat exchange region is to be positioned into a patient. The heat exchange region includes plural helical paths, where the plural helical paths are understood not to be limited to only two helical paths.

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example catheter engaged with an example heat exchange system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a catheter having generally cylindrical helical paths that do not overlap each other;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a catheter having generally cylindrical helical paths that overlap each other to establish a double helical structure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a catheter having generally conical helical paths that do not overlap each other;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a catheter having generally conical helical paths that overlap each other to establish a double helical structure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a catheter having helical paths that establish a generally super-helical structure;

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the catheter with a straight supply tube that is parallel to but not coaxial with the axis of a helical return tube, to ensure the coldest coolant is rapidly delivered to the distal-most portion of the catheter; and

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the catheter with a straight supply tube that is parallel to and coaxial with the axis of a helical return tube, to ensure the coldest coolant is rapidly delivered to the distal-most portion of the catheter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an intravascular temperature management catheter 10 is in fluid communication with a catheter temperature control system 12 that includes a processor executing logic described in one or more of the patents referenced herein to control the temperature of working fluid circulating through the catheter 10 in accordance with a treatment paradigm responsive to patient core temperature feedback signals. In accordance with present principles, the catheter 10 can be used to induce therapeutic hypothermia in a patient 14 using the catheter, in which coolant such as but not limited to saline circulates in a closed loop, such that no coolant enters the body. Such treatment may be indicated for stroke, cardiac arrest (post-resuscitation), acute myocardial infarction, spinal injury, and traumatic brain injury. The catheter 10 can also be used to warm a patient, e.g., after bypass surgery or burn treatment, and to combat hyperthermia in, e.g., patient suffering from sub-arachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hemorrhage.

As shown, working fluid may be circulated between the heat exchange system 12 and catheter 10 through supply and return lines 16, 18 that connect to the proximal end of the catheter 10 as shown. Note that as used herein, “proximal” and “distal” in reference to the catheter are relative to the system 12. A patient temperature signal from a catheter-borne temperature sensor may be provided to the system 12 through an electrical line 20 or wirelessly if desired. Alternatively, a patient temperature signal may be provided to the system 12 from a separate esophageal probe or rectal probe or tympanic sensor or bladder probe or other temperature probe that measures the temperature of the patient 14.

The catheter 10, in addition to interior supply and return lumens through which the working fluid is circulated, may also have one or more infusion lumens connectable to an IV component 22 such as a syringe or IV bag for infusing medicaments into the patient, or an instrument such as an oxygen or pressure monitor for monitoring patient parameters, etc.

The catheter 10 can be positioned typically in the vasculature of the patient 14 and more preferably in the venous system of the patient 14 such as in the inferior vena cava through a groin insertion point or the superior vena cava through a neck (jugular or subclavian) insertion point.

Next, regarding FIGS. 2-6, it is to be understood that while certain aspects and/or components of the example catheter described in reference to FIG. 1 have been omitted in FIGS. 2-6 for clarity, those aspects and/or components may still be present in the catheters described in reference to FIGS. 2-6 in non-limiting embodiments. For instance, the IV component, temperature sensor, and electrical line described in reference to FIG. 1 are not shown in FIGS. 2-6, but may still be present.

Now in reference to FIG. 2 specifically, a catheter is shown having generally cylindrical helical paths that do not overlap each other is shown. More specifically, a catheter 24 has a working fluid supply path 26 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 30 shown in FIG. 2. The catheter 24 also has a working fluid return path 28 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 26 to return working fluid from the supply path 26 to the heat exchange system 30.

The catheter 24 also has a distal heat exchange region 32 which may be positioned into a patient, such as the patient 38, wherein at least one of the paths 26 and/or 28 are contained in the distal heat exchange region 32 of the catheter 24. Further, the distal heat exchange region 32 may include a first helical path 34 and a second helical path 36 in fluid communication with each other. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the paths 34 and 36, which respectively are the working fluid supply and return paths, substantially comprise the distal heat exchange region 32 such that there is no central, generally linear body extending therethrough along the axis of the catheter 24 as would be the case with a straight tube having its sides formed with a helical or spiral shape. In other words, all of the working fluid flowing through the paths 34, 36 are channeled in helical paths.

In non-limiting embodiments, the distal heat exchange region 32 shown in FIG. 2, as well as the other distal heat exchange regions described in reference to FIGS. 3-6, may be made of a shape memory material such as, but not limited to, nitinol. However, it is to be understood that the heat exchange regions as disclosed herein may still be flexible and/or pliant in non-limiting embodiments such that the catheters of FIGS. 2-6 may be positioned into a patient with ease when, e.g., the catheter enters the patient at an angle relative to the surface area of the portion of the patient in which the catheter is being positioned. Alternatively, in other non-limiting embodiments the heat exchange region 32 may be rigid, if desired.

Still in reference to FIG. 2 and as mentioned above, the first helical path 34 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 26. Also in non-limiting embodiments, the second helical path 36 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 28. It may now be appreciated from FIG. 2 that the first helical path 34 and second helical path 36 do not overlap each other. Furthermore, while the helical paths 34 and 36 as shown in FIG. 2 are understood to be generally cylindrical, the helical paths 34 and 36 need not be cylindrical and/or symmetrical in accordance with present principles.

Additionally, it is to be understood that, in other non-limiting embodiments, the first and second helical paths of FIG. 2 (as well as the first and second helical paths of FIGS. 3-6, described below) may both be in the working fluid supply path such that an alternate return path returns fluid to the heat exchange system, or may both be in the working fluid return path such that an alternate supply path also not shown supplies fluid from the heat exchange system. It is to be further understood that, in still other non-limiting embodiments, the first helical path of FIGS. 2-6 may be in the working fluid return path and the second helical path of FIGS. 2-6 may be in the working fluid supply path. In other words, multiple non-limiting configurations of the fluid communication between the first and second paths as described herein and the source of working fluid may be provided in accordance with present principles.

In embodiments in which the helical paths are made of shape memory material, they may be deformed into a radially smaller or constricted configuration such as, for example, a straight, non-helical, side-by-side configuration for insertion and withdrawal from the patient. Then, once inside the patient, the paths may be released to assume their enlarged helical shapes for maximizing heat exchange with the blood. Heating may be used to effect this configuration change, or the catheter may simply be advanced into the patient through an introducer sheath that confines the paths and deforms them into sufficiently small configurations to fit inside the sheath, upon the exit of which at the distal end the paths assume the helical shape to which they are biased.

Now in reference to FIG. 3, a catheter having generally cylindrical helical paths that overlap each other to establish a double helical structure is shown. Thus, a catheter 40 has a working fluid supply path 42 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 46 shown in FIG. 3. The catheter 40 also has a working fluid return path 44 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 42 to return working fluid from the supply path 42 to the heat exchange system 46.

The catheter 40 also has a distal heat exchange region 48 which may be positioned into a patient, such as the patient 54, wherein at least one of the paths 42 and/or 44 are contained in the distal heat exchange region 48 of the catheter 40. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the distal heat exchange region 48 may include plural helical paths, though only two helical paths are shown in FIG. 3 for clarity. Accordingly, FIG. 3 shows a first helical path 50 and a second helical path 52 in fluid communication with each other. It is to be understood that while the helical paths 50 and 52 as shown in FIG. 3 are understood to be generally cylindrical, the helical paths 50 and 52 need not be cylindrical and/or symmetrical in accordance with present principles.

In the nonlimiting embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first helical path 50 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 42. Also in non-limiting embodiments, the second helical path 52 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 44. It may be appreciated from FIG. 3 that the first helical path 50 and second helical path 52 overlap each other to establish a double helical structure along the axis of the catheter 40, where the double helical structure is generally cylindrical. Essentially, the paths 50, 52 are coaxial with each other.

Moving on to FIG. 4, a catheter having generally conical helical paths that do not overlap each is shown. Thus, a catheter 56 has a working fluid supply path 58 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 62 shown in FIG. 4. The catheter 56 also has a working fluid return path 60 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 58 to return working fluid from the supply path 58 to the heat exchange system 62.

The catheter 56 also has a distal heat exchange region 64 in accordance with present principles, which may be positioned into a patient such as the patient 70. The region 64 includes a first helical path 66 and a second helical path 68 in fluid communication with each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the helical paths 66 and 68 are understood to be generally conical, though the conical helical paths 66 and 68 need not necessarily be symmetrical in accordance with present principles.

Also in accordance with present principles, the first helical path 66 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 58 in non-limiting embodiments. Also in non-limiting embodiments, the second helical path 68 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 60. As may be appreciated from FIG. 4, the generally conical helical paths 66 and 68 do not overlap each other.

FIG. 5 also shows a catheter having generally conical helical paths, but in FIG. 5 the generally conical helical paths overlap each other to establish a double helical structure. Thus, a catheter 72 has a working fluid supply path 74 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 78 shown in FIG. 5. The catheter 72 also has a working fluid return path 76 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 74 to return working fluid from the supply path 74 to the heat exchange system 78.

The catheter 72 also has a distal heat exchange region 80 in accordance with present principles, which may be positioned into a patient such as the patient 86. As may be seen in FIG. 5, the region 80 of the catheter 72 includes a first helical path 82 and a second helical path 84 in fluid communication with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the helical paths 82 and 84 are understood to be generally conical, though the helical paths 82 and 84 need not necessarily be symmetrical in accordance with present principles.

Also in accordance with present principles, the first helical path 82 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 74 in non-limiting embodiments. Also in non-limiting embodiments, the second helical path 84 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 76. As may be appreciated from FIG. 5, the generally conical helical paths 82 and 84 overlap each other to establish a double helical structure along the axis of the catheter 72.

Now in reference to FIG. 6, a catheter having helical paths establishing a generally super-helical structure is shown. Thus, a catheter 88 has a working fluid supply path 90 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 94 shown in FIG. 6. The catheter 88 also has a working fluid return path 92 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 90 to return working fluid from the supply path 90 to the heat exchange system 94.

The catheter 88 also has a distal heat exchange region 96 in accordance with present principles, which may be positioned into a patient such as the patient 102. As may be seen in FIG. 6, the region 96 of the catheter 88 includes a first helical path 98 and a second helical path 100 in fluid communication with each other. As shown in FIG. 6, the helical paths 98 and 100 are understood to be generally conical, though the helical paths 98 and 100 need not necessarily be conical and/or symmetrical in accordance with present principles.

It may be appreciated from FIG. 6 that the helical paths 98 and 100 are coiled to establish a super-helical structure on the distal heat exchange region 96. Note that as understood herein, a superhelix (and the generally super-helical structure shown in FIG. 6) are understood to be plural helices that are coiled into a helix. Further, note that while the paths 98 and 100 are surrounded by respective helical outlines 104 in the schematic diagram shown, the outlines 104 are provided only as a visual aid to demonstrate the super-helical structure established by the paths 98 and 100.

Still in reference to FIG. 6, the first helical path 98 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 90 in non-limiting embodiments. Also in non-limiting embodiments, the second helical path 100 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 92. Thus, as may now be appreciated from FIG. 6, the helical paths 98 and 100, each having their own respective helical structure, are coiled to establish a generally super-helical structure.

Moving on to FIG. 7, a catheter having a linear (straight) working fluid supply path and a generally helical working fluid return path is shown. Note that the linear working fluid supply path as described in reference to FIG. 7 is not to be confused with a generally linear body extending through a catheter, as described above. Thus, a catheter 106 has a working fluid supply path 108 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 112 shown in FIG. 7. The catheter 106 also has a working fluid return path 110 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 108 to return working fluid from the supply path 108 to the heat exchange system 112.

The catheter 106 also has a distal heat exchange region 114 in accordance with present principles, which may be positioned into a patient such as the patient 120. The region 114 includes a generally linear path 116 and a helical return path 118 in fluid communication with each other. As shown in FIG. 7, the helical path 118 is understood to be generally helical, and may be a cylindrical or conical helix in accordance with present principles.

Also in accordance with present principles, the linear path 116 is understood to define at least a portion of the distal region 114 and is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 108 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Also in exemplary embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 7, the helical path 118 is understood to define at least a portion of the distal region 114 and is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 110. As may be appreciated from FIG. 7, the paths 116 and 118 do not overlap each other. The supply path is parallel to the axis of the helical return path but is not coaxial with it.

Now in reference to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of a linear working fluid supply path that overlaps a generally helical working fluid return path is shown. Note that the generally linear working fluid supply path as described in reference to FIG. 8 is not to be confused with a generally linear body extending through a catheter, as described above. Thus, a catheter 122 has a working fluid supply path 124 communicating with a source of working fluid in accordance with present principles, such as the heat exchange system 128 shown in FIG. 8. The catheter 122 also has a working fluid return path 126 in fluid communication with the working fluid supply path 124 to return working fluid from the supply path 124 to the heat exchange system 128.

The catheter 122 also has a distal heat exchange region 130 in accordance with present principles, which may be positioned into a patient such as the patient 136. The region 130 includes a generally linear path 132 extending generally centrally through a helical return path 134, the paths 132 and 134 being in fluid communication with each other. As shown in FIG. 8, the helical path 134 is understood to be generally helical, and may be a cylindrical or conical helix in accordance with present principles.

Also in accordance with present principles, the generally linear path 132 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the supply path 124 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Also in exemplary embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 8, the helical path 134 is in and/or defines at least a portion of the return path 126. As may be appreciated from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the paths 132 and 134 overlap each other such that the generally linear path 132 extends through the helical path 134. The supply path is both parallel to the axis of the helical return path and coaxial with it.

It may now be appreciated from FIGS. 2-8 that the alternate embodiments described above provide more surface area on the distal end of a catheter to contact a patient's blood when disposed in, e.g., a patient's vein to cool the blood of the patient. It is to be further understood that the embodiments described herein may also provide better blood mixing as blood contacts and passes by the distal end of the catheter. Thus, a patient's blood flow may change its path in, e.g., a vein as it contacts the increased surface area of the catheter, thereby promoting mixing of the blood and increasing heat transfer efficiency.

While the particular PATIENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL CATHETER WITH HELICAL HEAT EXCHANGE PATHS is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catheter, comprising: a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid; a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid; and at least one of the paths being contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, the distal heat exchange region including first and second helical paths and being made of a shape memory material.
 2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the shape memory material is nitinol.
 3. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the helical paths overlap each other to establish a double helical structure.
 4. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the helical paths do not overlap each other.
 5. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the first helical path is in the working fluid supply path.
 6. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the first and second helical paths are in the working fluid supply path.
 7. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the first helical path is in the working fluid return path.
 8. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the first and second helical paths are in the working fluid return path.
 9. A method, comprising: providing a working fluid supply path that at least in part defines a catheter and communicates with a source of working fluid; and providing a working fluid return path that at least in part defines the catheter and communicates with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid; wherein at least one of the paths is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, the distal heat exchange region including first and second helical paths.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the distal heat exchange region is made of a shape memory material.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the helical paths overlap each other to establish a double helical structure.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the helical paths do not overlap each other.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the first helical path is in the working fluid supply path.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second helical paths are in the working fluid supply path.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first helical path is in the working fluid return path.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second helical paths are in the working fluid return path.
 17. A catheter, comprising: a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid; a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid; wherein at least one of the paths is contained in a heat exchange region of the catheter, the heat exchange region including plural helical paths.
 18. The catheter of claim 17, wherein the helical paths establish a superhelix.
 19. The catheter of claim 17, wherein the helical paths are cylindrical.
 20. The catheter of claim 17, wherein the helical paths are conical. 